Storage box

ABSTRACT

A storage box for storage, housing, and retrieval of articles comprises a box, designed as a plastic injection-molded part, having a large opening in a side wall. The opening in the side wall is closed off by a flap that is supported adjacent the floor of the box so as to be pivotal about an axis extending parallel to the floor. The flap is able to completely close the opening, and can be locked in this position. After being unlocked, the flap may be pivoted out to a position in which it deviates only slightly from a horizontal position. The flap as well is designed as an injection-molded part. The box is designed in such a way that not only may it be stacked, but mating interengagement without additional devices is also provided as a result of the stacking.

The invention relates to a storage box for storage and retrieval of articles to be kept in large quantities.

As shelf systems, stackable storage boxes exist that have two parallel end side walls, a floor, and a back side wall, are open at the top, and have a partial front side wall. Access is possible through open part of the front wall. Such boxes may be stacked.

Also known are cartons made of cardboard where the front wall is designed as a flap and can be folded forwardly out. This front wall may be folded shut so that the contents of the cartons are protected to a certain extent from getting dirty.

The object of the invention is to provide a storage box that when stacked allows viewing into the container as well as is removal from the container. A further aim is that the storage box saves space.

This object is attained by the invention by means of a storage box having the features of claim 1. Refinements of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims.

The storage box may be used not only to store the articles contained therein, but, on account of the flap that may be pivoted out, also to display them. The flap may also be used to refill the storage box. Refilling as well as removal are made possible by the end panels that prevent articles from falling out at the sides. Since the articles can also be placed in the storage box when the flap is open, it is possible to place a number of storage boxes one on top of the other in shelves in a practically seamless manner, since access from the top side of the storage box is not necessary for initial or subsequent filling.

In one refinement of the invention the storage box has an open top side.

Depending on the type of articles to be kept in the storage box, the floor of the storage box may be designed as a grid, a grate, or the like. However, to allow universal use of the storage box for all types of goods, small as well as large articles, in one refinement of the invention the storage box has a closed floor.

The storage box may have any given shape. However, in particular to allow universal use and to enable the storage box to be placed closely next to adjacent storage boxes in vertical as is well as horizontal alignment, in one refinement the invention provides that the body has an at least approximately quadrilateral shape. The length, width, and height of the quadrilateral may be arbitrarily selected.

In a further refinement of the invention the bottom side of the body has a design that is complementary to the top side of the body. Quadrilateral boxes may thus be stacked in this manner. However, as a result of stacking, when this complementary design is provided a mutual alignment of the storage boxes is also achieved in such a way that the superposed boxes are secured from sliding off.

It may be provided in particular that the storage box has a floor on the bottom side of the body that in particular is provided to achieve relative alignment of two superposed storage boxes when stacked. The outer edge of the floor may be designed in such a way that it fits into the opening at the top side of the body. Although the floor does not have to have the exact same shape as the open top side, it should be designed so that it not only fits inside but also prevents lateral displacement. For example, it is sufficient for the floor to rest with its corners on the inner wall of the storage box that is open at the top.

According to the invention it may be provided that the opening at the top side of the body has at least two sides inwardly directed shoulders. These shoulders may be used to bear the weight of a storage box thereabove.

In one refinement of the invention the floor is surrounded on all sides by projections at the bottom side of the body.

These projections may in particular be formed from the slightly outwardly protruding floor of the body. Thus, when two storage boxes are placed one on top of the other the weight of the box on top may be transmitted from these projections to the upper edge of the box therebelow, and may be transmitted from the lower edge of the floor to the referenced shoulders.

In one refinement of the invention the opening motion of the flap is limited by a stop, for example. The limitation, for example, may be such that the flap can be folded forwardly out from a closed position in which it is vertical by an angle less than 90°. Thus, a surface always remains that is inwardly directed in the box. Articles inside the flap therefore cannot roll out of the flap at the front.

In a further refinement of the invention it may be provided that the flap can be removed from its bearing and thus from the box. It is practical for this to be possible only in a specific position, preferably only in the fully open position. This could also be a position directly before the fully open position. The bearing may be provided such that the flap may be easily opened and closed, but in order to remove the flap a certain resistance must be overcome.

The storage box advantageously has a locking device that locks the flap in the closed position. The locking device is preferably located at a single location of the flap or the body so that it can be released by hand.

According to the invention the flap closes or opens a large opening, the flap preferably extending over the entire width of the corresponding front wall or side wall in a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the flap. On the other hand, the opening of the flap in the vertical direction may be limited by a brace-like connection between the side walls. The stability of the box may be improved in this manner.

At its front side the flap may have a space on which a label, illustration, or lettering may be affixed to indicate to the user the contents of the box when the flap is closed.

The flap may also have a transparent to translucent design, at least in places, to allow direct viewing of the contents of the storage box. By providing such a transparent to translucent region in the lower section of the flap, it may be determined at a glance whether the contents are running low.

According to the invention the flap has a compartment, preferably a compartment provided with a wall that is visible from the outside, in which a sample article is placed to indicate the contents of the storage box.

The flap is provided with lateral pivot pins that engage with corresponding bearing receptacles in the body. The flap may have a cylindrical rib on its bottom side that engages with a corresponding cylindrical channel in the floor of the box, so that a slit provided at this location is kept narrow during the entire opening and closing motion of the flap, thus preventing objects from collecting in this slit or gap.

Further features, particulars, and advantages of the is invention are seen in the claims and the abstract, the wording of both making reference to the contents of the description, the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the drawings. Therein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage box according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view from the right of the storage box in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the storage box in the closed position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the flap of the box;

FIG. 5 is a large-scale view of the bearing for the flap;

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the lock for the flap;

FIG. 7 is section along line VII-VII of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the flap.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage box according to the invention. The storage box has side walls extending parallel to one another in pairs. The left side wall in FIG. 1 is formed by a flap 2 that is designed to pivot about its lower edge 3. In the region of its bottom side the storage box has a floor 4. The top side of the storage box is open, thus forming an opening 26.

An upper edge 5 of the storage box is formed by a wide flange 6 that projects outwardly around the opening 26. Below this flange 6 and at a certain distance therefrom a second flange 7 is provided that extends parallel to the upper flange 6 and has approximately the same outward extension. A recess formed between the two flanges 6 and 7 may be grasped by the hands in order to carry the storage box. The narrower end side walls 1, of which one is shown in FIG. 1, have vertical ribs 8 near their front and back edges. The side wall 1 is flat in the space defined by the ribs 8 and the flange 7.

Above the floor 4 a further flange 9 extends around the storage box, and is interrupted only at the front shown at the left in FIG. 1. The bottom side of the flange 9 forms a projection with respect to the floor 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the side provided with the flap 2 is referred to as the front side of the storage box. Depending on the viewing perspective, this side may also be referred to as a side wall.

Inside the open top of the storage box, a shoulder 10 is visible that runs along the long side walls approximately at the same height as the second flange 7. An identical shoulder 10, not visible in FIG. 1, is also present on the back face of the front wall.

In the region of its lower edge the flap 2 is provided on the left and right sides with pivot pins 11 that engage in respective bearings 12 in the side walls 1. The upper edge of the flap 2 engages below the flange 7. A locking device 13 that may be actuated with one hand is provided in the center of its upper edge.

The floor 4 of the storage box is dimensioned in such a way that a storage box of identical design may be pushed with its floor 4 into the open top side of another such storage box, until the bottom side of the lower flange 9 rests on the upper flange 6, and the lower edge of the floor 4 rests on the inner shoulder 10.

FIG. 2 is a side view of such a storage box. The pivot pin 11 has two diametrally opposite flats, while the outer surface of the rest of the pivot pin 11 is a cylinder. The diameter of this cylinder corresponds to the inner diameter of the bearing 12. The bearing 12 is provided forward of the rib 8 that delimits the actual side wall 1 at the front, i.e. at the left in FIG. 2. The flap 2 has two end panels 14 in front of the rib 8. In other words, the flap 2 is approximately in front of the side walls. However, the storage box is closed on the front, back, and ends.

A slot 15 that runs along a circular arc is cut out of the side wall 1; the end panel 14 of the flap 2 is visible through this slot. A stop 16 that is visible through the slot 15 is integrally molded onto this end panel 14, and in the closed position illustrated rests against a rear end of the slot 15. When the flap 2 is opened, i.e. pivoted in the counterclockwise direction from its closed position shown in FIG. 2, the stop 16 moves to the opposite front end of the slot 15 where it limits the folding-out motion of the flap 2. The stop 16 is a wedge so that when the flap is inserted and closed for the first time, the stop slides past the edge of the opening, or in the application illustrated, the edge of the side wall 1, and then snaps into the slot 15.

FIG. 3 is the front view of the storage box, and here the flap 2 is at the center of the figure. In the upper region the flap is double-walled. At this location the flap also has a flat outer side that may be used to affix a label or other indicia. The space between the two walls of the flap may be used to grip and carry the storage box. FIG. 3 also shows that the flap 2 extends from one end wall 1 to the other end wall 1 so that the entire width of the storage box is available when the flap is open. In the vertical direction the flap 2 reaches to the lower edge of the flange 7. In this manner the two flanges 6 and 7 together with transverse bars 18 and the wall between the flanges 6 and 7 form a connection between the two narrower side walls 1. Thus, the flap does not form the entire front wall of the storage box, but, rather, closes off an opening provided in the front wall. This ensures the rigidity of the storage box.

FIG. 4 shows the flap from the same viewing direction as FIG. 2. The previously mentioned end panel 14, which is visible through the slot 15 in the side wall, has the shape of a sector of a circle that extends over an angle of slightly less than 90°. An outer face of the end panel is formed with ribs 19 that are concentric with the pivot pin 11, and radial ribs 20 extend between them resulting in reinforcement of the end panel 14. The stop 16 at the lower edge of the end panel 14 comes to rest in the slot 15 when the flap 2 is inserted into the box.

A clip 21 is used for latching is integrally molded onto the top side of the flap 2, as described below.

FIG. 5 shows in large scale the manner in which the pivot pin 11 engages with the bearing 12. The pivot pin has the shape of a circular cylinder that is flattened at two opposite locations. In the position illustrated, the cylindrical surfaces of the pivot pin 11 rest against the inner side of the bow of the bearing 12. When the flap together with the pivot pin 11 is pivoted by approximately 90°, the two flats are approximately horizontal, thus allowing the flap together with the pivot pin 11 to be pulled from the bearing 12.

In the lower region the flap 2 has a circular cylindrical rib 24 that engages with a correspondingly shaped groove in the floor of the storage box. Formation of a gap during opening of the flap is thus avoided.

FIG. 6 shows the clip 21 at the top side of the flap 2, in enlarged scale. This is also illustrated in the sectional view in FIG. 7. The clip 21 has an opening through which a flange 22 passes. This flange 22 is a part of the body of the storage box. At its end facing the front, i.e. pointing to the left in FIG. 7, the flange 22 has two stops 23 that pass through an opening in the clip 21 and then rest with their stop faces against the outer side of the clip 21 when the flap 2 is closed. The flap is locked in this manner. Since both stops 23 are provided on a common flange 22 that is relatively short, a user is able to push down the flange 22 in the region in front of the clip 21 with one hand, thus opening the flap 2.

FIG. 8 shows this flap 2 in perspective. It also shows how the reinforcing ribs 19 and 20 are integrally molded on only at the exterior of the end panels 14, whereas the interior 25 of the flange 14, visible in the right side in FIG. 8, is smooth. The side 25 of the end panel 14 is the side that the articles contained in the storage box come into contact with.

The flap 2 may form part or all of a side wall, as provided in the illustrated embodiment. The flap may also form only a portion of the side wall, or may be set in an opening in the side wall.

In one refinement the box body has multiple flaps. For example, two opposite side walls may be designed as flaps, in this case as well it being practical not to allow the flaps to extend to the open top edge of the box, but instead, at that location to allow bracing to remain between the other side walls. 

1. A storage box comprising a body having a floor and at least four side walls of which one is formed with an opening forming at least part of the respective side wall and a flap in the opening, outwardly pivoted about an axis adjacent the floor of the body and extending parallel thereto, and having two end panels that rest against edges of the opening in the side wall in an open position of the flap.
 2. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein the body has an open top side.
 3. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein the body has a closed floor.
 4. The storage box according claim 3 wherein the body has an at least approximately quadrilateral shape.
 5. The storage box according to claim 4 wherein the body has a bottom side that is complementary to its top side.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The storage box according to claim 5 wherein the floor has an outer edge that fits into the open top side of the body.
 8. The storage box according to claim 7 wherein the opening at the top side of the body has at least two sides an inwardly directed shoulder and the floor of one box can sit on the shoulders of another such box aligned underneath it.
 9. The storage box according to claim 8 wherein the floor is surrounded on all sides by projections at the bottom side of the body.
 10. The storage box according to claim 9 wherein the projections are formed by the floor of the body.
 11. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein an opening motion of the flap is limited in particular by a stop.
 12. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein the flap may be removed in a fully opened condition. 13-15. (canceled)
 16. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein the flap is at least partially transparent.
 17. The storage box according to claim 1, further comprising a lock for the flap that may be unlocked with one hand.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein the flap is formed with a compartment for holding a sample article.
 20. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein the flap is supported at the bottom side of the end panels by a pivot pin.
 21. The storage box according to claim 1 wherein the lower edge of the flap is provided with a cylindrical rib that is accommodated in a cylindrical groove in the body that encloses the cylindrical rib.
 22. A storage box comprising: a rectangular floor; four side walls extending upward from and unitary with the floor, one of the side walls being formed between an upper edge unitary with the other side walls and a lower edge at the floor with a large throughgoing opening; a generally planar flap complementary to and fittable in the opening; bearing means at a lower edge of the flap for pivoting of the flap between a vertical closed position fitting in and closing the opening and a generally horizontal open position projecting forwardly and giving access to an interior of the box from the front through the opening; and a pair of end panels unitary with the flap, projecting rearward generally perpendicularly therefrom into the opening, and resting against vertical side edges of the opening in the open position, the end panels preventing contents of the box from falling out of the opening past side edges of the flap in the open position.
 23. The storage box defined in claim 22, further comprising stop means engaged between the flap and the other side walls of the box for preventing the flap from moving through enough of an angle when shifting from the closed position to the open position to assume a completely horizontal position.
 24. The storage box defined in claim 22 wherein the end panels are formed as circle segments.
 25. The storage box defined in claim 22 wherein the flap and opening are complementarily rectangular and the one side wall forms a reinforcement bar extending unitarily between two of the others side walls above the opening. 